A behind-the-scenes meeting between Deion Sanders and Browns owner Jimmy Haslam came to light shortly before Shedeur Sanders delivered a standout performance that has vaulted him into the NFL spotlight.
A video on social media shows the two spoke just before yesterday’s game in Cleveland, fueling speculation that Haslam may have been a driving force behind the team’s decision to invest in the rookie quarterback.
“Let’s have 12 play well today,” Haslam can be heard saying to Deion at one point, as Shedeur‘s recent strong play has the Browns owner in good spirits.
The timing of that conversation now appears to have shown the future. Following a period of instability at the quarterback position, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski announced that Shedeur would be the starting quarterback for the remainder of the 2025 season.
The fifth-round rookie has earned the opportunity through consistent improvement and a series of strong performances that have impressed coaches, teammates, and analysts alike.
Sanders seizes the moment
Selected with the 144th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Sanders entered Cleveland without guaranteed playing time, facing a competitive quarterback room and the pressures typical of late-round picks. Despite these challenges, he quickly demonstrated an ability to learn and execute under pressure.
Many around the league noted that Haslam‘s advocacy may have influenced the Browns’ willingness to give Sanders a chance, a rare show of confidence in a young player so early in his career.
In just his third NFL start on Sunday against the Tennessee Titans, Sanders produced a remarkable stat line of 364 passing yards, three touchdowns, and an additional rushing score.
Coach Stefanski praised Sanders‘ work ethic and growth, saying: “He has constantly and consistently gotten better … he’s been working very hard, so I feel good about where his development is heading.”
The rookie’s dedication has seemingly been evident in every practice and game, and his poise under pressure has helped him earn trust from teammates and coaching staff alike.
Across his first three starts, Sanders has completed 50 of 87 passing attempts for 722 yards and five touchdowns, while hitting at least one deep pass of 50 yards or more in each game. Observers have highlighted his ability to remain calm in high-pressure situations and make smart decisions, which is key for a rookie quarterback adjusting to the speed and complexity of the NFL.
With his strong performances and growing confidence within the organization, the Browns are signaling that they are starting to believe Sanders has the potential to be their long-term solution at quarterback.
While the team continues to struggle in the standings, his emergence provides hope for the future. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Sanders can transform his promise into consistent success, but for now, the rookie is seizing his moment.
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